Proper Use

To make using hormonal contraceptives as safe and reliable as possible, you should understand how and when to use them and what effects may be expected.

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

This medicine is available in blister packs. Each blister pack contains 28 tablets with different colors that need to be taken in the same order as directed on the blister pack.

When you begin using this medicine, your body will require at least 9 days to adjust before a pregnancy will be prevented. Use a second form of contraception, such as a condom, spermicide, or diaphragm, for the first 9 days of your first cycle of pills.

Take this medicine at the same time each day, such as after the evening meal or at bedtime. Do not skip or delay taking your pill by more than 12 hours. If you miss a dose, you could get pregnant. Ask your doctor for ways to help you remember to take your pills, or about using another method of birth control.

You may have light bleeding or spotting when you first take the pill.

You may feel sick or nauseous, especially during the first few months that you take this medicine. If your nausea is continuous and does not go away, call your doctor.

If you vomit or have diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours of taking this medicine, follow the instructions in the patient leaflet or call your doctor.

If you are switching from a combination hormonal method (e.g., another pill, patch, vaginal ring) to using Natazia®, take the first dark yellow pill on the first day of your period. If you do not start your period, see your doctor for a pregnancy test. If you have used a vaginal ring or patch, take the pill on the day the ring or patch is removed. You must also use a second method of birth control (e.g., condom, diaphragm, spermicide) for the first 9 days you take this medicine.

If you are switching from a progestin-only method (e.g., progestin-only pill, implant, injection, intrauterine system) to using Natazia®, take the first dark yellow pill on the day you would have taken your next progestin-only pill, or on the day your implant or IUD is removed, or on the day you would have your next injection. You must also use a second method of birth control (e.g., condom, diaphragm, spermicide) for the first 9 days you take this medicine.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Your doctor may ask you to begin your dose on the first day of your menstrual period (called Day 1). When you begin on a certain day it is important that you follow that schedule, even if you miss a dose. Do not change your schedule on your own. If the schedule that you use is not convenient, check with your doctor about changing it.